In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemini, after commanding us regarding ma’achaalos mutaros and asuros (permitted and forbidden food-stuffs), including animals, fowl, and fish (Vayikra 11), the pasuk commands us: כִּי אֲנִי ה’, אֱלֹקְיכֶם, וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים, כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אָנִי - For I am Hashem, your...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Tzav, Hashem continues to command Moshe regarding the avodas ha’Mishkan (service performed in the Tabernacle), the korbanos (sacrificial offerings) and the appointment of Aharon and his sons as the kohanim who served in the Mishkan. The pasuk tells us: צַ֤ו...
This week’s parsha is Parshas Vayikra, and with it, we open the third book of Chumash. Sefer Vayikra is also known as Torah Kohanim, for it is (mostly) the law book for the kohanim, from the tribe of Levi, to instruct them regarding their avodah...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Pekudei, with the completion of the building of the Mishkan, Sefer Shemos comes to a close. All of the implements have been constructed under the direction and discretion of the master craftsman, Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur l’mateh Yehuda, and...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayakhel, the pasukim outline, in great and precise detail, the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Sanctuary that accompanied the Bnei Yisrael throughout their desert wanderings, where the Shechina dwelt. The master craftsman of the Mishkan, who oversaw and was...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Ki Sisa, the Bnei Yisrael are commanded regarding Shabbos (Shemos 31:12-15). After commanding us regarding Shabbos, the Torah records: וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם בֵּינִ֗י וּבֵין֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל א֥וֹת הִ֖וא לְעֹלָ֑ם כִּי־שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עָשָׂ֤ה הֹ’ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Tetzaveh, the narrative of melechas ha’Mishkan continues. In Parshas Terumah we learned of the Aron Kodesh (holy ark), the Shulchan (the golden Table which housed the lechem ha’panim, the show bread), the Menorah, the Mizbayach ha’Nechoshes (Copper Altar), as well...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Terumah, Hashem commands Moshe to instruct the Bnei Yisrael regarding the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, that would accompany the nation on their desert travels. It is from this hallowed and sanctified space that the Kohanim would serve as...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Mishpatim, the Torah outlines a total of fifty-three mitzvos, presented to us in the immediate aftermath the giving of the Torah in Parshas Yisro. While Parshas Yisro and Matan Torah were the “fire and lights show” of Revelation, Parshas Mishpatim...
In the very beginning of this week’s parsha, Parshas Yisro, Moshe’s father-in-law, Yisro comes to the Israelite camp in the desert. After hearing about the miracles G-d wrought and how He saved the Israelite nation from the Egyptians, split the Reed Sea, gave them manna...